There are several concerns about the upcoming redistricting of our state Legislature that are problematic:
Living in a mostly rural area, I want to be represented in Harrisburg with someone more local and knows our unique problems and concerns. I am sure those in the big cities feel the same.
With redistricting, there will be gerrymandering, either intentional or not, in favor one party over another.
So, keep the number of legislators in Harrisburg and, in fact, increase the numbers as the population increases so we have equal representation. But with that, make all of them, up to the Governor, part-time. In fact, a solution to getting sincere representation to all of our elected officials is to make even the ones in Washington part-time as well.
And to take it one step further, make it retroactive to all prior elected officials. Since they seem to represent business and special interests more than the wishes of their constituents, let them experience the same as a lifelong employee suddenly discovering that their retirement, health care and other benefits have flown out the window.
Politics, they say is local. And if you attend any of your local school board or township meetings, you will find that some put many hours and days into the well being and benefits of all the residents they represent. And most receive no compensation. Why should we not expect the same from our state and federal representatives?
Michael W. Kuriga
Armstrong Township
Submitted by Virtual Newsroom
